Experimental reconstruction of teat mucosa by vestibular mucosal graft in cows. A histopathologic and radiographic study

Teat tip reconstruction by supernumerary teat autotransplantation in cattle

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of use of a supernumerary teat as a pedicle graft to repair experimental teat tip damage in cattle.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental study.

ANIMALS

Mature, non-gravid hybrid cows with > or =1 supernumerary teat.

METHODS

The main teat and adjacent supernumerary teat were examined for patency by ultrasound with a 8 MHz linear array transducer. The tip of the main teat was resected at the junction of cistern and canal. The supernumerary teat was partially resected semi-circumferentially at the cranial aspect of the base to maintain vascular supply and transplanted by end-to-end anastomosis. The pedicle of the supernumerary teat graft was amputated in stages starting at 14 days, again at 16 days and separated at 18 days. Reconstructed teat patency was evaluated at intervals by ultrasonography and confirmed at 50 days by histopathology. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the measurements of luminal diameter between days; significance was set at P<.05.

RESULTS

All reconstructed teats were patent. Decreased luminal diameters were detected at 25, 32, 39, and 46 days by ultrasonography. On histopathology, granulation and epithelial (mucosal) proliferation contributed to luminal reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

In this experimental model of an acute damage to a teat tip, supernumerary teat grafting was successfully used to restore teat anatomy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Supernumerary teat pedicle grafting may be considered as a salvage technique for reconstruction of a damaged bovine teat in cows that have an adjacent patent supernumerary teat. Function of the reconstructed teat in a lactating cow remains unknown.

Procedures and surgeries of the teat

Injuries to the end of the teat are frequent and frustrating to treat. Treatment of these injuries evolved from being aggressive using teat knives to a more conservative approach employing rest nonreactive teat inserts. The process of milking seems simple, but it involves fine-tuned mechanics. Teat fibrosis, even when small, has a disastrous effect on the production life of an animal. There is no place for error; any surgical intervention should be precise and aim for perfection. Medical imaging techniques and minimally invasive surgery help the surgeon to make the best decision. Finally, more investigation is needed to treat varicose veins to understand the origin and develop better treatment. Teat injuries have drawn more attention more recently. Surgical interventions are better planned, and blind treatment with unsuitable teat knives is avoided. Treatment of superficial of full-thickness teat lacerations does not require a high level of anatomic or surgical knowledge, although basic surgical principles should be applied. Hemostasis, delicate débridgement and tissue handling, and appropriate suture materials and patterns are key to success. Appropriate sedation, anesthesia, and analgesia are essential to achieve this goal and should never be neglected.